Gordon Michaels, the writer and actor in “Unbeatable Harold,” worked on location at the Silver Legacy in 2004. / Liz Margerum/Staff

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When "Unbeatable Harold" screens at the Reno Film Festival May 4, things will finally come full circle for its writer and star, Gordon Michaels.

The movie, which is set in Reno and filmed here three years ago, has been rolling around in his mind for more than a decade, and it's seen its share of hardships. First, the L.A.-based Michaels brought a crew to Reno in 1997 with designs on shooting the movie. But the financing fell apart, forcing him to tear down his makeshift production office and start over.

"That was rough," he said. "Here, 10 years later, I have a screening (in Reno). Part of my dream was when it was done to have some type of screening in Reno because that kind of completes my dream of making this film a reality. It's going to be a very important time, a very important screening for me."

The movie tells of Harold James Clark (Michaels), the optimistic assistant manager of a fictional Reno steakhouse, and much of the plotting revolves around his romance with Wanda Livingston, the ex-girlfriend of a washed-up rock star.

Livingston is portrayed by Nicole DeHuff, who died at age 30, just a few months after "Harold" finished shooting. Michaels said her death was a hardship for everyone involved in the movie, but it was particularly painful for director Ari Palitz, who was married to the actress.

"I know she'll be with us in spirit," Michaels said. "One of their dreams was for him to direct a film that she starred in, and they were able to fulfill that dream, which was very special."

Michaels said activity around "Unbeatable Harold" shut down for about nine months after DeHuff's death, but he is now actively promoting it. The film received its world premier last year at the HBO Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, Colo., and it's been featured in a number of other festivals. Earlier this week, Michaels was screening the film at the Palm Beach International Film Festival in Florida.

"It's been fun," he said. "People are having a good time with it, and that's what it's about, getting it out there and letting people enjoy it."

At the Reno Film Festival, the movie will screen at the Nevada Museum of Art on the evening of May 4, directly after a 6 p.m. party with Michaels and some of the other stars. Schedule allowing, Michaels will be joined by Dylan McDermott, who plays the rock star, and Robert Peters, who plays his manager.

Michaels said he hasn't worked out a distribution deal for "Unbeatable Harold," but he has seen some interest. And, like Harold, he's optimistic.

"Hopefully something will happen soon," he said. "I feel good about it. I think that even with the passing of Nicole and some of the other hardships we've had, I'm still believing there's going to be a happy ending to this whole thing."